James Owen
Project Pilot– Standards and Training NextGen Aircraft, Air New Zealand
James Owen joined Air New Zealand as a pilot in 2014 and brings nearly 20 years of experience across regional, domestic, and international flying. Currently operating the Boeing 777, he has flown both turboprop and jet aircraft and held leadership roles supporting pilot teams and driving airline transformation initiatives. He played a key role in implementing the airline’s new digital flight planning solution—introducing iPad-based flight planning tools processes that removed paper flight plans which, when stacked annually, created a pile as tall as Auckland’s Sky Tower. James recently completed an award-winning research project with the University of Canterbury, focused on airline pilot perceptions towards sustainability, and how pilot decision-making can reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability outcomes in commercial aviation.
In his current role, James serves as the Standards and Training Project Pilot for Air New Zealand’s NextGen Aircraft programme. His responsibilities include development of operational procedures, manuals, and training materials to guide pilots in operating aircraft with novel propulsion systems. While the programme centres on battery-electric propulsion, the learnings from its introduction are expected to be transferable across a range of emerging technologies, including hydrogen and hybrid-electric platforms. Drawing on his background in operations, leadership, and business sustainability, James brings a pilot’s perspective to the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising aviation—and is proud to be a part of the team helping to shape the future of flight in Aotearoa.